Ares’ big play in private equity

A crucial gauge of risk in holding the debt of companies at the centre of the AI boom has hit a record high, private capital group Ares Management has held talks to acquire Leonard Green & Partners, and French company TotalEnergies will be able to continue selling gas from its flagship Siberian project to Asia. Plus, institutional investors are snapping up bundles of UK homes at large discounts and sales at LVMH’s key fashion and handbags division returned to growth for the first time in two years.Mentioned in this podcast:Big Tech credit risks hit record highs as AI spending soarsAres Management has held talks to buy Leonard Green PartnersInvestors snap up bundles of UK properties as housebuilders offer discountsTotalEnergies benefits from EU sanctions reprieve on Russian gasDior rebound helps LVMH’s fashion business return to growthSave 10% on tickets with the code FTPodcast. Visit ft.com/festival to find out more.Want to get in touch? Email us at [email protected]: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig, Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Fiona Symon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our intern is Cole van Miltenburg. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.